History

Before discovering Rhodes, read all about the history

Ancient Greek Mythology claims that when the Olympian Gods divided the lands among them, they forgot to cut a share for Apollo. To compensate, they created Rhodes Island, and promised it would belong to him forever; hence, Rhodes Island is the place with the most extended sunshine in Greece.

Historically, Rhodes has been inhabited since the prehistoric era according to findings. During the 6th century BC the island was divided in three mighty states, Lindos, Ialysos and Kamiros, each with its own Acropolis and a significant naval force. These cities later merged their forces to create the even mightier state of Rhodes, a cultural, religious and economic centre that flourished for centuries. Rhodes was the home of one of the 7 Wonders of the World, a gigantic statue that stood over its harbour, the Colossus. Many conquerors attempted to seize Rhodes and some of them did, such as the Romans, the Ptolemies and the Ottomans, but the ones that truly shaped the island’s character for centuries to come were the Knights of Saint John.

The Medieval Era of Rhodes is vividly evident till this day. The medieval city erected by the Knights still stands, practically intact through the sands of time, living and breathing as a thriving entity that draws life from the island itself. It is awe-inspiring to walk through the cobblestone alleys of a medieval city that is still inhabited with as minimal modern intervention as possible; this is as close to time-travel as it gets! The modern city of Rhodes, even though it follows the current times, it still remains true to its history, maintaining as much of it as possible. Every step you take in this wonderful city is a journey through its long history, a sneak peek into its past.